Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Every year in the northern Ontario region of Kashechewan, the same method is used to help control pet overpopulation : dogs are shot. I'm sure that many are unaware that such a practice is commonplace. I won't bother to offer my take on this situation because in all honesty, I don't know nearly enough about the circumstances. From what I am told, the stray dogs often pose a threat to community safety, as many are simply lacking the social skills that we are so accustomed to seeing in our own dogs. In addition, the region lacks basic veterinary equipment and other medical infrastructure. What I do know is that two animal welfare organizations are teaming up to ensure that in the future, these animals are dealt with in a more humane manner.

The Grey Bruce Aboriginal Qimmiq Team (GBAQT) is a concerned group of veterinarians working alongside the Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society (NOAWS) to establish a spay/neuter program that will help keep the animal population of Kashechewan in check. Just this week major progress was made as the Kashechewan band council approved the plan.

The spay/neuter program will take place from February 13 - 17, and the hope is that all of the approximate 100 dogs that need to be fixed will receive the procedure. This is fantastic news, and as I wrote in an earlier post, great things happen when animal welfare groups work together!

Now it's time for us to assist these two great organizations, and here's how. If you can help in any of the ways listed below, please email adoptions@noaws.com. :

1.These animals are going to need homes.

Of the 100 or so dogs to be fixed, it's estimated that 20 - 30 are strays. If you are an individual who would be interested in adoption (and what a great way to help out a needy pooch) or a rescue organization who would be willing to foster and adopt out any of these dogs, that would be spectacular!

2. Transport

The doggies are going to have to find a way to get to their loving new homes aren't they?

3. Supplies

Currently the biggest need is for collars for the dogs, so if you have any old collars, recycle them for these pooches!

4. Financial donations

After speaking with Carla Davidson from NOAWS, it turns out there's great news on this front. All of the medical costs have already been met! There is still a need for donations however. These funds will be put toward supplies (such as the dog collars if not enough are acquired in time) and transportation funds (gas). In fact, Carla has informed me that as of now, there is a surplus of donations (how often does that happen!), though that surplus may soon dwindle as further expenses arise.

The Toronto Pet Daily wants to express thanks to these two groups, and wish them both well in fulfilling their goal. I'll be posting an update in February. Good luck all!